Craig Spotlighters take second at Milton event

JANESVILLE — The Janesville Craig High School Spotlighters placed second in Saturday's Milton Show Choir Invitational competition.

Eighteen show choirs from Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Missouri competed in the event.

“We were going in there hoping to make the finals, so we were happy that we got second overall,” said Adam Miller, director of vocal music at Craig High School. “The judges said they saw a lot of improvement in our routine.”

In their second competition of the year, Craig's Spotlighters were bested by Waubonsie Valley High School in Illinois. They took second to the Hilltoppers of Onalaska during their first competition of the year earlier this month.

“This is my first year teaching them,” Miller said. “I stepped into some big shoes, and the kids have welcomed me with open arms.”

Miller took over the 72-member choir after former instructor Robert Schrank retired after leading the choir for 10 years.

“It's been different,” said Ashley Johnson, 17-year-old senior and four-year member of the show choir. “But what has changed has made the group stronger.”

Johnson said that she was “thrilled” the group placed second during the Milton competition.

“Our show has improved a lot,” Johnson said. “It's a lot of fun. There is always something new to see and new to watch.”

The Craig Spotlighters will next compete at an event in Fort Atkinson on Saturday, Feb. 8, before hosting a benefit show Feb. 21 to raise money for the district's special needs music program.